Lithium was the first medication I was given when I was diagnosed in 1990. I believe it was
the original drug of choice for Bipolar disorder.
After being misdiagnosed and given incorrect medication Lithium was the first drug that
made me even begin to feel better. The only side effect I had with it was nausea, which is
very common. Over the years I've been prescribed a time-released Lithium that doesn't
bother my stomach. Lithium is by no means a cure all but I feel better than I do without it.
It's inexpensive and it seems to suit me.
My teenage son who also has bipolar disorder takes different medication but I guess
different things work for different people. Although I don't think much of anything is working
well for my son. It's tricky treating kids.
I have found that since it's your body it's ok to question what your doctor is prescribing
for you. If he doesn't listen to you, you might want to find another doctor.